Hair transplants can be used to add hair to the area of your scalp that is balding or thinning. It involves taking hair from thicker regions of the scalp or other areas and grafting them to the balding or thinning area.
About 60 percent of men in the world experience hair loss and 50% of women. This can be addressed with over-the counter products such as Minoxidil (Rogaine), and topical treatments such as minoxidil.
Another restoration option is hair transplant. Japan’s first hair transplant was performed with single scalp hairs in 1939. Over the next decades, doctors developed the “plug” technique. This involves transplanting large amounts of hair.
In an effort to reduce the appearance of transplanted hairs on the scalp, surgeons developed micro- and mini-grafts.
Hair transplants are usually more successful than any over-the-counter products for hair restoration. However, there are some things you should consider.
The full growth of transplanted hair takes between 10 and 80 percent. It can take anywhere from three to four to six months for the majority to fully recover.
Transplanted hair can become thinner over time, just like regular hair.
Dormant hair follicles, which are usually found beneath the skin and do not grow hair, may make it less likely to have successful transplants. But, a 2016 research suggests that plasma therapy could help up to 75% of transplanted hairs completely grow back.
Hair transplants may not work for everyone. They are primarily used to restore hair if it is thinning or falling out naturally, or after an injury.
The majority of hair transplants are performed with your existing hair. This makes them less effective for people who have:
Thinning and balding are common
Hair loss from chemotherapy or other medications
Injuries can leave thick scarring on the scalp.
Prices for hair transplants vary from approximately $4,000 to $15,000 each session.
Final costs can vary depending on:
Extensiveness of the transplant procedure
There are many surgeons available in your local area
The surgeon’s experience
surgical technique chosen
Hair transplants can be performed as a cosmetic procedure, so insurance will not cover the cost.
The final cost may include any aftercare medication.
A hair transplant Turkey simply takes the hair you already have and moves it to another area. The hair transplant is typically done from the back of your scalp, but it can also be taken directly from other parts of your body.
Your surgeon must first sterilize the area in which the transplant will take place and then anesthetic it with local anesthetic. The surgeon may also offer sedation to make it easier for you to fall asleep during the procedure.
The surgeon then decides whether to perform FUT or FUE.
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)
FUT can also be called follicular-unit strip surgery (FUSS). Your surgeon will need to follow these steps in order to perform FUT.
A scalpel is used to remove a portion of your hair from your scalp. It is typically located at the back of your head. The average length of the strip is 6-10 inches. However, it can stretch from one ear to another.
They stitch the area where the scalp was removed.
With a scalpel, your surgeon and assistants will cut the scalp strip into smaller pieces. You may be able to split the piece into several smaller pieces called grafts. Some grafts may only contain one hair.
A surgeon uses a blade or needle to make small holes in the scalp for hair transplantation.
The surgeon inserts hairs cut from the scalp into the puncture hole. This process is called grafting.
Then, they cover the surgical areas with gauze or bandages.
The amount of grafts you get will depend on which factors:
Type of hair you have
Dimensions of the transplant site
Hair quality, including thickness
hair color
Follicular unit extraction (FUE)
Your surgeon will need to follow these steps in order to perform a FUE surgery:
They trim the hair from your back.
The surgeon then extracts individual follicles from each scalp. You will see tiny marks where each of the follicles were removed.
Similar to the FUT procedure the surgeon creates small holes in the scalp and grafts hair into these holes.
The surgeon will then apply gauze or bandages to the area.
FUT or FUE can each take several hours to complete. It all depends on the work done by the surgeon. You will be able to go home the day after the procedure.
Your surgeon will remove all bandages after the surgery is completed. To reduce swelling, your surgeon might inject triamcinolone in the area.
The transplant site will likely cause pain and soreness. The surgeon might recommend:
Pain medication, such as ibuprofen or Advil (Advil),
Preventive antibiotics
Anti-inflammatories like an oral steroid to ease swelling
For hair growth stimulators, you can use medications such as minoxidil (Rogaine), finasteride(Propecia), and minoxidil [Rogaine].
Here are some aftercare suggestions for hair transplant surgery.
You can wash your hair a few days later if you have had surgery. Use mild shampoos during the first few days.
Within three days you should be able resume normal activities or work.
Do not use a brush, comb or other tools to scrub the new grafts until after 3 weeks.
Wearing hats or pullover jackets and shirts is not recommended unless your doctor has approved.
For about a week, don’t exercise.
You don’t have to worry about losing a few hairs. This is part and parcel of the transplant process. Transplanted hair may not grow well or match the natural hair for several months.
Scarring is the most common side-effect and it cannot be avoided.
The following are possible side effects.
Infections
The surgical site may develop crust or pus drainage
Scalp pain, itching, swelling
Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles)
bleeding
Feeling numb around the surgical sites
Hair visible in areas that aren’t matching the surrounding hair or are noticeably shorter
Continue to lose your hair even if you are still bald.
Side effects can occur with Propecia or Minoxidil.
Dry scalp
dizziness
chest pain
Headaches
Unusual heart rate
Breast, hand, or foot swelling
sexual dysfunction
Here are some tips to help you find a hair-transplant surgeon.
Only select a licensed, accredited surgeon.
Request a portfolio to confirm a track record of successful transplant procedures.
Check out their reviews.
Before you decide on either procedure, consult your doctor or a surgeon who specializes in hair transplants.
Although neither procedure is certain to be successful, scarring can still occur. The quality of your hair and volume could also affect eligibility.